Brazilian wonderkid walks out on City in favour of switch to bitter rivals United

Brazilian youngster Gabriel Fernando has snubbed a scholarship with Manchester City and is now set to join Manchester United.

The 16-year-old, who joined City in March last year from Sporting Lisbon, is an exciting attacking midfield player and it is understood the 2012 Barclays Premier League champions were keen to keep Fernando at the club.

However, Fernando has taken to Twitter to confirm that he refused a deal to remain at the Etihad and MailOnline Sport understands that he has been training with the United youth team this past week.

Manchester move: Youngster Gabriel Fernando (right) pictured with former City defender Maicon, is set to join Manchester United

When on Twitter whether he had been released from City or if he had refused to stay, Fernando replied: ‘Refused.’

United are expected to offer Fernando terms to sign for the club and in doing so, the midfielder will become the first youth signing of the David Moyes era.

On August 12, the Portuguese-Brazilian, whose full name is Gabriel Fernando Morais Casseres de Almeida, confirmed that he would be leaving City after 15 months at the club.

Writing on Twitter, he said: ‘I would
like to thank all the Manchester City fans for their support and the
stuff to help me develop my game @MCFC.’

Since
then, Fernando has dropped a number of subtle hints about his future at
United, after confirming to a City supporter’s account that he will be
joining a Premier League side while the skilful star yesterday
told his followers that he was ‘going to the Trafford centre again for a
meal.’